Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol Arrested Amid Controversy
The High Officials Corruption Investigation Office (OICAF) of South Korea has arrested former President Yoon Suk-yeol this Wednesday morning, marking a historical moment as it is the first time a sitting leader has been apprehended in the country's democratic history. This development follows Yoon's surprising declaration of martial law just 43 days prior, which sent shockwaves around the globe.
In a video statement, Yoon expressed his defiance, stating his decision to appear before the OICAF despite deeming the investigation unlawful. He stated that his aim was to prevent any potential violence. The arrest was executed at 10:33 AM local time at the presidential residence, where over 3,000 police officers had gathered to facilitate the operation. Live coverage from local news outlets showed a convoy departing the presidential complex for OICAF's office located to the south of Seoul.
The arrest order was issued by the Seoul Western District Court after Yoon failed to respond to three summons for questioning by the OICAF regarding his controversial decision to impose military control briefly on December 3. The order was initially set to expire soon but was extended last week, remaining valid until January 21.
According to the OICAF, the interrogation of Yoon commenced shortly after his arrival at the office, presided over by the agency's deputy director, Lee Jae-seung. Reports from the Yonhap news agency indicated that Yoon refused to provide any statements during questioning. The interrogation reportedly consisted of over 200 pages of questions focused on Yoon's actions leading up to and during the brief imposition of martial law.
The OICAF is investigating Yoon on charges that could constitute rebellion and abuse of power. The extent of the agency's jurisdiction in this matter remains uncertain. Concurrently, the Constitutional Court of South Korea has begun hearings to either validate or overturn Yoon's dismissal from the presidency, which was approved by the National Assembly on December 14. The court postponed the session when Yoon did not appear, with the next hearing scheduled for Thursday.
Yoon's detention raises critical implications as the OICAF is permitted to hold him for a maximum of 48 hours before seeking an extension for further investigation. Should a court grant such an extension, Yoon could face up to 20 days in custody before a trial. If not, he would be released and could return to the presidential residence.
Yoon's legal team argues that the arrest order is unlawful, claiming that the OICAF lacks the authority to investigate the accusations against him. In contrast, the OICAF asserts that Yoon's repeated refusals to comply with their requests for questioning justified the issuance of the arrest order. One of Yoon's attorneys, Seok Dong-hyun, indicated that the former president was willing to surrender to avoid escalating tensions.
Officials from the OICAF noted that this arrest attempt was markedly different from a previous effort on January 3, when security personnel blocked access to Yoon's residence, resulting in the operation's cancellation. On this occasion, there were reports of minimal resistance, allowing police and OICAF officials to enter the premises effectively.
The political landscape is tense, with mixed public reactions emerging in Seoul. Some supporters of Yoon celebrated the arrest, while others expressed their sorrow and discontent, leading to minor confrontations with law enforcement outside the presidential complex.
Yoon, who was provisionally dismissed from his office following a parliamentary vote on December 14, faces serious charges linked to his attempt to declare martial law. He maintains that his actions were within the scope of governing and has consistently denied the allegations against him. In recent weeks, he has remained in the presidential residence, surrounded by supporters braving the harsh winter weather.
In the backdrop of this political turmoil, the police have also initiated actions against the deputy head of Yoon's security team for allegedly obstructing investigators during the arrest operation. Authorities have issued warnings that resistance to the enforcement of arrest orders could result in further detentions.
